The demonstration of a good overall correlation with in vivo data is the ultimate proof of qualification for any dissolution-rate test. For artemisinin, a very hydrophobic compound at a high content in oral solid dosage forms, all official dissolution apparatus were estimated unsuitable. A modified two phase partition-dissolution method was applied to solve this problem. This study reports on the bioavalability of three different formulations of artemisinin tablets in rabbit plasma. Artemisinin concentrations in plasma were determined by liquid chromatography. A linear correlation between results obtained by the partition-dissolution method described and the obtained in vivo data confirmed the validity of the dissolution method. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.